Positive conditioned reinforcement of Sidman avoidance behavior in rats.

Abstract

Trained 20 male hooded rats to turn a wheel to avoid unsignaled shock. Ss then had Pavlovian conditioning in which a tone signaled shock (CS+ group) or time free shock (CS- group). During a "test" session presentation of the tone increased the mean rate of responding of the CS+ group and reduced the mean rate of responding of the CS- group. In Exp. II, the tone was 1st contingent on an increase, then, a decrease, in the avoidance response rate. The distribution of avoidance responses of the CS- group was successfully modified by both reinforcement contingencies. Results demonstrate that CS-, a conditioned stimulus for safe periods, established independently of any avoidance situation, can reinforce ongoing avoidance behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)